Sunday, December 22, 2024

Keely Hodgkinson wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024

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Olympic 800m gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.

The 22-year-old ended her wait for a global title at Paris 2024 after winning successive world silvers since finishing runner-up on her Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago.

Hodgkinson also retained her European 800m title in Rome and became the sixth-fastest woman of all-time when she improved her British record to one minute 54.61 seconds at the London Diamond League.

“I am in a bit of shock,” Hodgkinson told BBC One.

“I am more excited for my coach as I wouldn’t be here without his guidance.

“This year has been incredible and I achieved everything that I set out to do on the outdoor track. I hope you loved watching Paris.”

Darts player Luke Littler was second, with England cricketer Joe Root third.

Sarah Storey, Alex Yee and Jude Bellingham were also shortlisted for the award by a panel of experts, with the winner decided by a public vote.

Hodgkinson is the fourth successive woman to win the award, after England goalkeeper Mary Earps was named Sports Personality of the Year in 2023.

The Leigh athlete’s coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, were recognised with the Coach of the Year award earlier in the night.

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